Breast Cancer Walks Raise $38K; Bring Members Together

Over 100 members from various departments joined forces on October 15th in Central Park and on October 22nd in the Bronx to make strides against breast cancer. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society and heavily supported by the Union, exemplified the strength of community in the fight against this disease, with over $38,000 raised for the ACS.

Notably, Tonya Thompson, a member, breast cancer survivor and Making Strides Organizer, honored West Farms and Kingsbridge Bus Depots with special banners in recognition of their significant turnout. This heartfelt gesture highlighted the power of collective support in battling breast cancer. The day was not only about raising awareness; it was a celebration of joy and unity.

Attendees were also treated to thrilling performances by the Universoul Circus Act, featuring dancers on stilts, rollerblade trick-stars, and acrobat contortionists. The energetic acts added an exciting dimension to the event. The walk itself served as a symbol of hope and determination, with each step reinforcing TWU Local 100's commitment to supporting breast cancer research and finding a cure. The collective energy was palpable, propelling the cause forward.

Marching against Breast Cancer to raise funds and awareness is driven by personal stories. This year, we profile two of our own. TWU Local 100 has some tough members. Perhaps none tougher than Cancer survivors Tracey Young and Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp. Both were selected by the union to be honored participants in this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks in the city: Young at the Oct. 15 event in Central Park, and Crisp at the Oct. 22 fundraiser in the Bronx.

Tracey Young

Young has been battling cancer for approximately two years: major surgery, chemotherapy, and its side effects. But Young doesn’t spend her days sulking at home. You will find Young - the first-ever female chair at Manhattanville Bus Depot - at her post by 6:30 a.m. weekdays to help union members with issues like scheduling, working conditions, and disciplinary matters. "I don't want to sit home dwelling on being sick," Young said. "I want to fight, and part of fighting is coming to work," Young said. She also wants to inspire others with cancer to be strong. "You can't give up, " Young said. "If you give up, this cancer will eat you up alive." Young’s cancer was discovered after she was involved in a car accident in the summer of 2021. She was heading to work on an off day – with her dog – when a driver ran a red light and slammed into her car, flipping it and hurling it into two parked vehicles. Amazingly, both Young and her four-legged companion were fine. Hospital doctors, however, discovered the cancer while screening her for injuries. “It was a shock,” she said. She underwent surgery and is still undergoing chemotherapy. Giselle Martinez, Working Women's Committee and Family Assistance Coordinator, had nothing but praise for Young." She is an amazing woman who inspires many,” Martinez said.

LaTonya Crisp

Amidst thousands of joyous revelers, colorful floats and waving flags, Local 100 Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp marched in the NYC Pride Parade in Greenwich Village with a personal secret. She was in pain. And had cancer. Crisp received the shocking diagnosis just two days earlier. Still, she was undeterred. “I made the promise to the Local 100 members of the LGBT community that I would be there for the parade, and nothing was going to stop me,” she said. Shortly after receiving her cancer diagnosis in June 2022, Crisp learned that it was Stage Four Cancer, which means it had spread from one point to other parts of the body. Her cancer’s reach was extensive. Its pace was aggressive. What followed was months of chemotherapy, during which Crisp continued participating in work meetings through Zoom. Her doctor’s scheduled major surgery for November, but she delayed it to January so she could preside over her last meeting as Chair of the TWU International Working Women’s Committee. Another promise made she wasn’t going to break, she said. The surgery was a success. But Crisp then had a nearly fatal reaction to a post-surgery medication protocol and wound up back in hospital again in February. Two months later, she was back in the Union Hall, just in time for the kick-off of contract negotiations with the MTA. “It’s been one hell of a walk,” said Crisp, who is cancer free. “I was in the biggest of my life. Now, I’m just living, and I’m very grateful.” TWU Local 100 Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp spoke about her fight against breast cancer in an interview on the ABC-TV public affairs show, Here and Now, with Sandra Bookman. The program aired at 12 Noon on Sunday, October 8. On the show, our Union Sister shared about her Stage 4 cancer diagnosis and how she fought back, aided by an excellent team of doctors at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan. She also talked about how she became an activist and sponsor of the annual Making Strides Against Cancer marches for the American Cancer Society.